THE LUDGROVIAN
‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might’ Ecclesiastes IX v.10
Contents
• Summer Term Highlights
• IVs’ Plays
• ‘Out of This World’ lessons
• Don’t Stop Us Now...
• The IIs’ French Challenge
• Making the Most of Every Minute
• OL News & Limited Edition Cricket Print
Welcome from the Headmaster
‘Go and explore’… is written in the Leavers’ atlases as the Top Year boys head on to pastures new. This phrase also underpins Ludgrove life as we encourage boys to give it their best and have a go. We finish the academic year in good heart and, once again, our boys have done themselves, their parents and us proud.
We continue to be unashamedly ambitious for our boys and are delighted by the stellar set of results our Top Year were awarded by their future schools which are: 18 to Eton, three to Harrow, two each to Marlborough and Wellington, 10 to Radley, one to Rugby as well as Tonbridge, Highlands in Spain and St George’s, Switzerland. Amongst them, we celebrated: Academic Scholarships to Eton (King’s Scholarship), Harrow and Radley; Art Scholarships to Harrow and Marlborough; and a Drama Scholarship and Exhibition to Radley – they are a talented bunch and huge congratulations to one and all. Likewise, well done to the VIs, IVs, IIIs and IIs who are following in their footsteps.
Being a relatively small school means we are able to get to know our boys as individuals, the ‘spotlight’ shines on every chap, and we strive to ensure boys are
happy, keen to learn and have a sense of responsibility to themselves as well as to those around them. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
It has been an interesting year for the independent education sector and we feel fortunate not only to have a full school but also a tremendous team of staff and wonderfully supportive parents. I hope this edition of The Ludgrovian gives you a flavour of our thriving community built on happiness and a sense of purpose.
We are proud of all we have achieved this year and look forward with a spring in our step as we aim to nurture the character, confidence and creativity of every child. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who makes Ludgrove such a special place to live and work. I wish one and all a happy Summer.
Simon Barber, Headmaster
A selection of Summer Term highlights
The Summer term is always busy with fixtures, trips and scholarship, Common Entrance and School exams. It is also the time of year when journeys come to an end - for our new boys in the VIs it is the end of their first year and for the Top Year it is the end of their time at Ludgrove. Here is a taste of the activities all boys have enjoyed.
IVs’ camping trip
Mothers’ & Sons’ Tennis Tournament
Giant Pumpkin Seeds Growing Sets’ Comp
The Cothill Jug Golf Tournament at Radley
Ludgrove Ski Trip to Sestriere
Parents’ & Sons’ Golf Competition
Celebrating National Brothers’ Day
IIIs’ trip to the Utilita Bowl
IVs’ trip to Gray’s Farm Sunday Funday
U10s unbeaten at the Harrow Cricket Festival
Cub finished 3rd in the IAPS U13 Squash Tournament
Sets’ Cup Winners - Wellington
Ludgrove Leavers’ of 2025
Desert Springs Pre-Season Cricket Training tour in Spain
IIs visit the National Archives
Winners of the U11s Winchester Cricket Tournament
Best Dorms’ Trip to Horseshoe Lake Prize Giving and Supper Night
Fathers v Staff Tennis Tournament
IIs’ Geography trip to the New Forest
IVs’ deliver a triple treat of classic theatre
Our lucky audience was treated to a ‘3 for 1’ helping of classic theatre when they sat down for the IVs’ performances. Families enjoyed a trio of dramatic delights when the boys performed abridged versions of the classics Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz and Oliver Twist.
The show was packed full of fantastic performances, wonderful costumes and hilarious ad libs (we’ll be laughing about Wendy introducing Peter Pan as her boyfriend for weeks to come!).
At the end, Mr Barber congratulated all three casts
Ludgrove has been shortlisted in the Independent Boys’ School category of the Independent School of the Year Awards 2025.
We are incredibly proud that Ludgrove has remained true to the roots it planted in 1892 - a boys’ boarding prep school where all pupils grow and learn together, forging friendships that follow them on to their senior schools and beyond.
and spoke about how important the boys’ confidence and adaptability will be for the challenges of Year 6 and senior school applications.
Special mention goes to Wilf and Rory who stepped into new roles on the morning of the performances. They pulled it off with such aplomb that, when asked, the audience didn’t know they hadn’t been cast for the parts!
Bravo everyone, take another curtain call!
The Hotel Inspector visits Ludgrove
It’s hard to pull off such an iconic British sitcom as Fowly Treats Fawlty Towers but the boys in Div 1 did just that before half term. Complete with manic hotel owner, Basil, and down trodden waiter, Manuel, the classic tale of the ‘Hotel Inspector’ was performed with great comedic timing and all the chaos of the original 1970s show.
In our annual Smallest/Tallest photo you can almost hear Joey from the VIs shouting up to Kamsi in the Top Year: “Will I be as tall as you in four years time?!” Let’s wait and see… and remember you don’t have to be tall to be mighty!
Time to say goodbye
How the time has flown! Two years ago our then Year 7 boys were introduced to their counterparts at Downe House for a new social and academic partnership. It has been a huge success!
Having enjoyed joint Drama, Art, History, Science and pastoral days, plus a Book Club supper and socials, it was time to say goodbye before the boys move onto their senior schools.
To enable them all to enjoy one last get
together, girls came to Ludgrove for an afternoon of Summer sports (very competitive!) followed by a barbecue.
It has been wonderful to see these young people enjoying working together and forming friendships and we hope they stay in touch in the future.
‘Out of this world’ lessons
“Emergency, everyone into the Theatre!” Following worrying reports of lights in the sky, loud noises and strange sightings at Ludgrove, the boys found out it was all just a fantastic intro to Sci Fi Day!
Following an alien invasion by the Gappers, the boys were taken off timetable for a cross curricular day packed full of space related activities.
From art projects and Space Invaders through outdoor games and biscuit decorating (and eating!) the boys had an experience that was ‘out of this world’! They even designed their own language and recorded a message for our new intergalactic friends.
The day has definitely put Ludgrove on the map as the perfect place for future spacecraft landings.
Thank you Mr Buckner, for masterminding Sports Day
Don’t stop
us now...
we’re having
such a good time!
( )
Torrential rain meant we had to wait three weeks for the rescheduled Sports Day but wow it was worth the wait! What a scorcher in all senses of the word, with blistering performances, family fun and, at the heart of it all, the boys’ support and camaraderie.
Raffy jumps for gold
Congratulations to Raffy who won the U12 High Jump event at the National Prep Schools Championships in Birmingham, with a jump of 1m 41cm.
In addition to Raffy’s gold medal winning performance, our other athletes, Augustus, Louis and Zachary, did Mr Buckner and the School proud in the long jump and hurdles events.
Well done boys, you closed out Ludgrove’s athletics season in style.
As always, Ludgrove’s Sports Day was filled with the joy of the School family being together to celebrate the boys’ skills and determination. The day was filled with all the highs and lows of competition
- luckily our boys know how to do both with equal good grace. Competitors and families cheered everyone on, whether on the track or on the sidelines.
The biggest celebration of the day, however, was when the Victor Ludorum for each age group was announced: James for the seniors, Louis for the middle years and Nicko for the juniors. Well done boyspopular winners for all.
Here is just a snapshot of the day and the ‘spirit of the games’ that enveloped the School.
Well done to the winners of the Siblings’ Races
- we hope you enjoyed your fresh fruit baskets!
Left - Victor Ludorum winners from left: Nicko for the juniors, James for the seniors, and Louis for the middle years.
Right - Set Captain, Tristan, collected the Sets’ Sports Day Shield for Wellington.
It was an honour to welcome Mr Pope to Sports Day. Not only is he an OL and grandfather to a current Ludgrovian, his name is also engraved on the Victor Ludorum cup for 1954.
A double helping of Art
Families were treated to two opportunities to visit the amazing display of boys’ creative work in the Art, CDT & Ceramics exhibition - once on the original Sports Day date and then again on the rescheduled day. Families were so impressed with the breadth of pieces on show from the vibrant Rainforest art compilation and owl vases to clocks and bird boxes, that some went to visit the exhibition twice!
Rock of (all) ages
The Ludgrove Summer Concert was as diverse in its music range as it was brilliant in its inclusivity of ages and talents. There were some jaw dropping performances from a stella line up of soloists through to two rock bands and groups and ensembles playing traditional and contemporary pieces.
In the mood for VE Day
Ludgrove marked the start of its 80th Anniversary of VE Day commemorations with Toby, Captain of School, raising the Union Jack before Chapel. This provided an important moment for the boys to remember and reflect on the sacrifice of Ludgrovians that went before them.
As Sir Winston Churchill said in his famous VE Day speech: “This is your victory. Victory of the cause of freedom in every land.”
The School was then in the mood for fun as we marked the occasion with a good old fashioned jamboree. The boys made their way around a circuit of homemade classics such as welly throw, sack race, coconut shy, wet sponge toss, pillow jousting and much, much more. Just the type of fun the boys would have enjoyed 80 years ago… and they still love just as much today!
The IIs take on a French challenge
Every year the highlight of the Summer term for the IIs is the boys’ residential trip to France, to improve their linguistic skills and grasp the opportunity to go out of their comfort zones and try something new.
The trip was packed full of fun and educational activities for the boys to expand their repertoire by immersing themselves into the language. For example, the boys donned chef’s aprons and hats to cook a local French delicacy to be eaten later on. The challenge was to ask for ingredients and utensils and follow instructions, all in French.
Luckily the session was a success and the resulting apple tart delicious!
The boys also got the chance to take on a challenge of a very different nature - mastering circus skills... in French, of course. Balance balls, trapeze swing, tightrope and climbing aerial silks all tested their minds as well as their balance and strength.
The rest of the week included a trip to a French market to buy lunch, kayaking and craft sessions, which all added up to a ‘expérience mémorable’!
The Ludgrove ‘family’ gets together
We are a sociable crowd at Ludgrove enjoying time together at matches, performances and concerts. Nothing is more keenly anticipated, however, than the annual Parents’ Drinks party at the Bluebird, Chelsea.
This year we celebrated the start of half term with an evening of friendships, old and new, and a shared pride in the School. ‘Once a Ludgrovian, always a Ludgrovian’, and that means families too!
Making the most of every minute
The Top Year has had a busy term after exams. Residential trip in Wales... cricket at the Utilita Bowl... One Day Film School... Leavers’ Showcase... all these activities and much more led to one thing - making treasured memories before the end of their journey together at Ludgrove. Friends for life.
King’s Scholarship news
To top off Ludgrove’s successful scholarship year, we are proud to announce Jacky has been awarded a King’s Scholarship by Eton College. As Mr Barber told the School, recipients are rare, with only up to 14 of these scholarships awarded each year.
Jacky will be in good company when he reaches College House, where all 70 King’s Scholars live, as he will be welcomed by OL Jaey who received the KS in 2022. That’s two recipients in three years!
Ludgrove is very proud of its long history of success in the King’s Scholarship exams as seen in this 120 year old frame displaying no less than eight Ludgrovians who were awarded their KS in the School’s first 13 years. Well done Jacky for carrying on this tradition - you are in distinguished company!
Ludgrove’s Leavers’ Day heralded the match of the year when the dads met their sons on the hallowed 1st XI pitch for the traditional Dads v Sons cricket match. With thrills and spills along the way (and lots of laughter) the Sons took the win cheered on by friends and families watching the action.
100% pass rate for CE!
Congratulations to the Top Year boys who notched up a 100% pass rate for their Common Entrance exams! As Mr Barber told them, they can now go onto their senior schools knowing they are “rock and roll at academics”!
Well done to them all for a sterling set of results, including two boys whose grades were in the top 31 for the Eton cohort.
Sad farewells to four familiar faces
The end of the academic year is always the time to say goodbye to boys and staff moving on to the next chapters in their lives. Join us in wishing the following staff many happy memories of Ludgrove and the best of luck in their next endeavours:
Save the date!
An important date for your diary - please make a note of Saturday 4th October for Ludgrove’s annual Grandparents’ Day. Invitations for this ever popular event will follow at the beginning of next term. We look forward to welcoming our VIP guests to Ludgrove in October!
Welcome to Ludgrove
Ludgrove welcomed a very special newcomer in the Easter holidays with the arrival of Mr Green’s beautiful daughter, Heidi.
1. Matt O’Conor, Assistant Head (Operations)
2. Simon Evans, Head of Maths
3. Emma McDonald, Head of VIs
4. Judy Nesbit, Classics
Goodbye and good luck and please come back and visit the boys and staff in the future.
Ludgrove Legends
They did it! The team of Ludgrove Legends completed their Three Peaks Challenge to scale the three highest peaks in Great BritainBen Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District and Snowdon in Wales - in 24 hours to raise funds for the Ludgrove Foundation.
During the 24 hour adventure, the group of 11 walked 37km, ascended a total of 3,064m and drove for 11 hours to get to each peak. The team battled extreme weather conditions, cold and exhaustion to complete their challenge. They are heroes each and every one, so please take a bow:
- Simon Barber, Headmaster
- Tom Wilson, Deputy Head (Academic)
- Matt O’Conor, Assistant Head (Operations) and his wife Lucinda
- Sarah Evans, Head of Art ( and faithful friend Tegwyn)
- Oli Parker, Teacher and Assistant House Parent
- Jordan Kramer, Teacher
- Malcolm Heppolette, Estates Manager
- Richard Timbrell, Gardener
- Dawn Godwin and Lianne Brazil, Housekeeping (plus Mrs Evan’s husband and Mr Heppolette’s daughter as designated drivers)
In true Ludgrovian, understated style, Mr Barber said: “It’s all fun and games!”
So far the Ludgrove Legends have raised £24,777 for the good works of the Ludgrove Foundation.
If you would like to recognise the team’s amazing achievement please go to the Ludgrove Three Peaks Challenge on Just Giving. Thank you and good luck!
Cricket clashStaff v Dads
The next best thing to playing cricket is when you get the chance to gauge the skills of those who have coached you… and that’s exactly what the boys did when they watched the Staff v Dads cricket match at Ludgrove. They thoroughly enjoyed seeing the teams battle it out and experience the same highs and lows as their own games. Having put on a thrilling show for spectators, the Staff just pipped the Dads to win in the end. The consolation prize? A barbecue and some important post match analysis!
OL update details
We love keeping in touch with Old Ludgrovians to keep them abreast of developments and news of events throughout the year. This is only possible, however, if address and email details are up-to-date. If you have moved or have changed email address, please email development@ludgroveschool.
Contact us:
For enquiries regarding registrations for OL events, to update your contact details, or to send us news, please visit the OL section on the website or use the email below
Telephone: 0118 978 9881
Email: development@ ludgroveschool.co.uk
Website: www.ludgrove.net
Address: Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 3AB
“Happy
Days at Ludgrove School”
Ludgrove School is delighted to announce the 1st XI cricket pitch has been immortalised in oil by world renowned cricket painter, Jocelyn Galsworthy. To enable Ludgrovians to enjoy this happy memory of match days at home, there is a limited edition print run available, numbered and signed by the artist.
As an added benefit to the School community, £70 from the £180 cost of a print will be donated to the Ludgrove Foundation to support Transformational Bursaries and improving facilities. For details please email development@ludgroveschool.co.uk.
Nice to see you
Here are two cracking photos showing OLs thriving at their senior schools. Left: The Barbers caught up with ‘the boys’ at Harrow.
Right: Ameyaw (in Ludgrove Leavers’ hoodie) meets up with Hugo at Tonbridge Athletics.
If you think Ludgrove is the best prep school in the land, don’t keep it to yourself - make sure you vote in the Tatler Schools Awards! Simply go to Lugdrove’s Instagram page and click the link titled the linktr.ee/Ludgrove in the bio at the top of the page. Thank you.